CONCACAF under-20 wrap: Mexico, Costa Rica into semis

Mexico sealed a CONCACAF Under-20 Championship semi-final berth in style on Tuesday, with a 3-0 win over Canada in Guatemala.

The win also secured Mexico’s place in this year’s Under-20 World Cup in Colombia, after they failed to qualify two years ago.

Mexico dominated throughout and created a host of good chances, but found Canada goalkeeper Julien Latendresse-Levesque in fine form.

The deadlock was eventually broken in the 33rd minute with a brilliant long-range strike from Kristian Alvarez.

Canada’s defence was carved open repeatedly by the surging Mexicans, and they had Latendresse-Levesque to thank for keeping them in touch until late in the match.

But with 18 minutes remaining, Mexico extended their lead with another superb goal when Diego De Buen crashed home a volley from long-range.

The rout was completed deep into second-half stoppage time by a 20-yard thunderbolt from Jorge Mora.

The win was Mexico’s third-straight victory without conceding a goal, and they remain on course for an 11th CONCACAF Under-20 title.

Elsewhere, Costa Rica routed Cuba 6-1 to book their spot in the last four.

The Cubans got off to the perfect start with a goal to Yaudel Lahera after just three minutes, but it was downhill from there on for the visitors.

Joel Campbell equalised from the penalty spot on 29 minutes, before another spot kick from Marlon Escoe had the hosts 2-1 up at the break.

Campbell went on to complete his hat-trick after the interval, with Joshua Diaz and Bryan Vega also getting on the scoresheet as the Costa Ricans ran riot.